This article is going to talk about self medication with street
drugs. Let's first take a look at the street drugs that people
commonly use, specifically pot and alcohol. Marijuana is
commonly used by itself or in combination with alcohol. Pot can
give you a calming effect after it is inhaled. Depending on the
amount and strength it can also have the opposite effect on your
physical health. Increased respirations and heart rate can be
expected. Mentally, pot use can lead to psychological
dependence, paranoia, which in turn can lead to extreme levels
of anxiety. The whole idea of engaging in an illegal activity
can increase your anxiety and keep it there as long as you are
involved in this activity. Getting caught with dope, getting
arrested and jailed can increase your anxiety. Does this all
sound like common sense? Well yes it is, you don't need a PHD in
psychology to figure this out. Prolonged stress leads to anxiety
and it is inevitable it will happen. Think back to when you did
something you said you would never do. Likely you had feelings
of guilt, worry and that physical rush (pounding heart,
inability to concentrate, increased breathing), to conclude this
is another reason to stay away from street drugs, it just a poor
choice. See how long you can put your body and mind through this
and I can guarantee it won't be long before you are leading a
tough battle fighting anxiety not to mention the physical damage
you are putting your body through. Sure we always hear about how
safe pot is and that it should be legalized, but for an anxiety
sufferer or someone dealing with mental health issues it's a
devastating choice. Now let's take a look at alcohol and your
mental health. In small amounts (1 drink per day) studies have
shown alcohol to be beneficial to your general health, but there
is a fine line and not everyone can drink alcohol on a daily
basis without having physical damage to your body or a
psychological problem in the form of an addiction. When first
consumed, alcohol acts like a mild stimulant. You may feel
euphoric and energetic. As we consume more our body cannot
process the alcohol as quickly as we consume it. As the amount
increases it begins to depress body systems which ultimately can
lead to coma and death. Long term use of alcohol damages organs
in the body, creates family issues, employment problems that can
lead to poor mental health. Without treating these addictions
you will never be able to control your anxiety. Alcohol will
make you depressed and lazy. It will make you make excuses for
your behavior. Alcohol use will hurt people you love but will
mask your guilt and shame. If you have an addiction get treated
for it. Stop making excuses and being in denial, you are only
putting off the inevitable, a long hard life of mental health
and physical problems. Written by Psychiatric Nurse Web
Publisher for the site www.anxietyhelponline.com December
20/2005

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Written by Psychiatric Nurse Web Publisher for the site
http://www.anxietyhelponline.com December 20/2005